Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather and rich cultural history. You’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches spread out all along the coast, from the Algarve through to the beaches near Lisbon.
Located just a short drive from Lisbon, the beaches in this area range from secluded coves and quiet fishing villages to busy resort towns and surf spots.
Seven of the beaches near Lisbon below are on the Cascais train line or a short bus ride away, and eight are easier by car.
See also: Top Sights and Hidden Gems in Lisbon
Here is our summary:
- Great beaches you can reach by train or bus from Lisbon
- Praia de Caxias
- Praia de Santo Amaro
- Carcavelos Beach
- Praia de of São Pedro do Estoril
- Tamariz Beach, Estoril
- Praia Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Cascais
- Costa da Caparica
- Great beaches close and West of Lisbon – Best reached by car
- Praia do Guincho
- Praia da Ursa
- Praia das Maçãs
- Praia das Azenhas do Mar
- Praia do Magoito
- Great beaches South of Lisbon – Best reached by car
- Praia do Creiro
- Praia do Ouro
- Praia do Pego
Yellow beaches – West of Lisbon – use the train (or bus)
Orange beaches – West of Lisbon – best by car
Purple beaches – South of Lisbon – best by car
Great beaches you can reach by train or bus from Lisbon
The following beaches are much-loved by local people and sightseers alike. Getting to them from Lisbon is straightforward, with regular train services running out of Cais do Sodré station or any other rail stop towards Cascais.
The coastline from Oeiras to Estoril to Cascais stretches west of Lisbon and offers sandy beaches, calm seawater and characteristic spas. This is the coastline where most tourists take a day trip to the beach.
Those are the yellow beaches on the map above.
The coastline is connected from Lisbon to Cascais by a train that runs regularly. A single ticket costs a few euros (check current fares on cp.pt) and the ride takes about 45 minutes from terminus to terminus. Modernization works between Caxias and Cascais mean replacement buses run on some late evenings and early Sunday mornings, so check CP service notices before a late return. This means that almost all beaches are easily accessible from Lisbon. The only disadvantage is that all beaches can be very crowded in summer, especially during the Portuguese summer vacations.
Then you could still consider to rent a car, leave early and head to a different beach a bit further away.
Hop on a carriage and you’ll be surfside in no time!
Check out our guide on how to get around Lisbon.
Praia de Caxias
~30 minutes train ride along the coast. – West of Lisbon
Caxias beach is in the municipality of Oeiras, a short ride from Lisbon city center.
It is easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the waterfront road and train station.
The beach splits itself up in three stretches of sand – ranging from Giribita Fortress (Forte da Giribita) through São Bruno Fortress (Forte de São Bruno), all the way down to Lage River mouth (Ribeira da Lage).
This idyllic spot offers tranquil waters shielded by gentle winds blowing offshore.
Praia de Santo Amaro
~40 minutes train ride along the coast. – West of Lisbon
Santo Amaro beach is the first one where you can buy snacks and drinks from the beach café. This is definitely not our top choice, but there is also a busy McDonalds right behind the underpass of the Marginal, which is open 24/7.
During the summer, there’s always a lot going on down at the beach. For example, during the main season they set up and operate a water park on the water. Children can slide, play and train their dexterity and balance here for an entrance fee (check current prices on site).
A surf spot that’s right next to the bathing beach is perfect for those who want to catch some waves. The ground is partly rocky, which makes it ideal for advanced surfers. Watch out, there can be waves up to 3.5 meters high. This spot is also popular with Portuguese surfers. So it’s not a spot for beginners and there is also not a surf school at this beach.
The beach can be easily reached by the Santo Amaro train station. It’s only about a 3-minute walk from the station to the beach.
Carcavelos Beach
~ 45 minutes train ride along the coast. – West of Lisbon
This is one of the most popular and busiest beaches in the Lisbon region. Praia de Carcavelos is just under 1.5 kilometers long and one of the most beautiful beaches along the Lisbon coast.
It is by far the most popular Lisbon beach due to its excellent public transport links. There are numerous beach bars and cafes along the boardwalk. These are ideal for a light lunch or to escape the intense UV rays of the summer sun. Ice cream stands and watermelon vendors can be found here, as well as watch vendors and Asian massage ladies.
The beach attracts a predominantly active crowd and there really is always something going on. Be it beach volleyball, beach football or sometimes a championship.
The big waves make Carcavelos a popular place for surfing and the equipment can be rented at reasonable prices. There are also several surf schools here. Book a surf lesson in Carcavelos here.
Decent changing rooms, showers and toilets can also be found regularly.
Carcavelos beach is the perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water. You can learn to surf, play beach volleyball, tan in the sun, and cool off in the sea. This Lisbon beach is popular with both Portuguese and foreign tourists.
If you’re looking for the perfect beach day in Lisbon, Carcavelos is a top choice. It’s easy to get to and works for families, friends or solo travelers.
To get there, just get off at the Carcavelos stop and then walk down to the beach for about 10-12 minutes.
Praia de of São Pedro do Estoril
~45 minutes train ride along the coast. – West of Lisbon
Sao Pedro offers a wide and sandy beach, with clean water that is perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Plus you’ll find natural rock pools here. These are extremely popular with children and are safe, especially at low tide.
The waves on the beach make it a great spot for surfing and bodyboarding. There are usually many stand-up paddlers here as well, and you can also rent a board.
Sao Pedro is also conveniently located near a train station, making it a great choice for a day trip from Lisbon to the beach.
Get off at the São Pedro do Estoril stop and walk about 150 meters to the beach. Please use the underpass or traffic light to cross the busy street Avenida Marginal.
Tamariz Beach, Estoril
~50 minutes train ride along the coast. – West of Lisbon
Another great beach near Lisbon is Praia do Tamariz, located in the town of Estoril. This beach is known for its clear water and wide, sandy shore, making it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Praia do Tamariz, situated at the bottom of the grand avenue leading to the magnificent Estoril Casino, used to be known as an upper-class beach where wealthy people would spend their summers on the Estoril coast.
However, today it is one of the most visited beaches in the area because of its convenient central location right next to the railroad tracks. The infrastructure of Tamariz beach is excellent and even includes a seawater swimming pool at the pier. Consequently, there is nothing left to be desired.
One of the things that sets Praia do Tamariz apart from other beaches in the area is its lively atmosphere. The beach is dotted with small cafes and restaurants, where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing drink. There are also a number of shops selling beach gear and souvenirs, so you can pick up everything you need for a day of fun in the sun.
Despite its popularity, Praia do Tamariz manages to maintain a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The beach is large and open, so even on busy days you can find a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. And with its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient location, Praia do Tamariz is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon.
A trip there on weekends will reward you with fascinating food trucks plus flea markets!
Praia Nossa Senhora da Conceicao, Cascais
~50 minutes train ride along the coast. And it’s also the last stop. – West of Lisbon
If you’re looking to spend a day lounging on the beach, Bar de Praia is the perfect spot. Just a few steps from the Cascais train station, this beach offers clear blue waters and little to no waves – perfect for snorkeling and for families.
You can rent sunbeds for the whole day starting at 9:30am, and umbrellas are available too. Prices change with the season; two sunbeds plus an umbrella have cost around 20 euros.
At Bar de Praia you can order food and drinks throughout the day. The menu features simple but tasty dishes, including Portuguese classics as well as salads, pizzas and pasta dishes. There’s also a wide selection of drinks available, from beer and wine to sodas, fruit juices and cocktails. If you’re renting sunbeds then you can use the toilet at the Bar do Praia for free; otherwise it costs 50 cents (in high season).
The beach has a lot of nearby facilities.
If you walk towards Estoril, you’ll find a natural sea pool. At Praia da Conceição, you can rent SUP boards to explore the area. The water is usually pretty calm, so it’s a fun activity. It costs 15€ per hour to rent a board. If you want to do a guided tour, it’s 35€ per hour.
You could even walk into the center of Cascais within 5 minutes. If you want to walk a bit further, you can get to the promenade by going through the neighborhood beach Praia da Duquesa.
The beach is also kid-friendly, as the water is usually calm. There is also a small rocky area where our toddler could go on an adventure and climb/scramble around at the risk of getting splashed by some waves along the rocks.
It’s a mix of locals (who are in the majority) and tourists.
A visit to Cascais is often linked with a day trip to Sintra from Lisbon.
Costa da Caparica
30-minute bus or car ride from Lisbon’s center – South of Lisbon
Costa da Caparica is a growing holiday spot that many Portuguese flock to.
It’s on the other side of the Tagus River, steadily becoming an attractive destination for both domestic and global vacationers alike!
It’s 24 km long stretch of sandy beaches along with its natural scenery make it one of the longest continuous beach stretches near Lisbon. So there are many smaller beaches to choose from.
The resort town itself lies at the northern tip overlooking the beachfront; conveniently located only 20 minutes away from Lisbon by bus or car.
Costa da Caparica beckons travelers and locals alike with its radiant shoreline. Swells draw in surfers, who flock here to escape the crowds of Carcavelos and Guincho. On balmy days, get ready for a delightful surfing session! In summer, Portuguese come together on these sandy beaches that offer family fun, plus evening beach parties you won’t want to miss.
Great beaches close and West of Lisbon – Best reached by car
Let’s start with the beaches towards the North/West of Lisbon, which you could also combine nicely with a day trip to Sintra.
But those beaches are recommended to explore by car, as you won’t reach them really with public transport. But I would recommend to rent a car for 2-3 days anyway to explore the region around Lisbon a bit.
Praia do Guincho
30-45 minutes by car ride from Lisbon’s center – West of Lisbon
Praia do Guincho is a beautiful beach located just a short drive outside of Lisbon.
It’s only a little bit further West than the beaches mentioned above, but as the train stops in Cascais, you would have to take a bus from there to reach it and it might take 1:30 hours in total, instead of 35 minutes by car.
With its golden sand and clear water, this beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
One of the standout features of Praia do Guincho is its expansive size. At over 2 kilometers in length, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the sunshine. The wide, open spaces also make it a popular spot for sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding, as the steady Atlantic breeze provides the perfect conditions for these activities. The beach also has a surf school, where you can learn the basics or take a lesson from a professional instructor.
Another reason for Praia do Guincho’s popularity is its location. Set between the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park and the Atlantic Ocean, the beach is backed by dunes and the Sintra hills. The park has a wide variety of flora and fauna, and is a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride. And of course, the Atlantic Ocean provides endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
Despite its beauty and popularity, Praia do Guincho manages to maintain a laid-back, relaxed atmosphere. There are a few small restaurants and cafes along the beach, but they are low-key and non-intrusive. This means that even on busy days, the beach feels peaceful and uncrowded.
If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, be sure to add Praia do Guincho to your itinerary. The beach is easily accessible by car or public transportation, and is the perfect place to spend a day soaking up the sun and enjoying the great outdoors. Water sports fans and anyone after a long beach walk will find Praia do Guincho worth the trip.
Praia da Ursa
40-60 minutes by car ride from Lisbon’s center – West of Lisbon
Praia da Ursa, just north of Cabo da Roca, takes more effort. This secluded beach is only accessible by a steep hike down a rocky path, but the views and the quiet make it well worth the effort. The beach is known for its beautiful rock formations and clear water, making it a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
One of the standout features of Praia da Ursa is its natural setting. The park is a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride, and offers wide views of the surrounding countryside. And of course, the Atlantic Ocean provides endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
As the section intro says, you won’t really reach this beach by public transport, so plan on a car or a taxi from Sintra or Cascais, then the steep walk down.
Despite its popularity, Praia da Ursa manages to maintain a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The beach is large and open, so even on busy days you can find a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. And with its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient location, Praia da Ursa is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon.
Praia das Maçãs
44 km from Lisbon’s center you’ll find Praia das Macas. This beach is located in an urban area, only 0.8 km from town center, surrounded by cliffs.
It has several tiny coves with clear turquoise waters and pure golden fine sand.
This beach gets very crowded during high season. The Praia das Macas coast is free for all and has amenities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, toilets and a beach restaurant.
During high season this beach supervised by lifeguards. Besides swimming and sunbathing, you can participate in the standard fun activities.
The beach is easily accessible, as there is a parking lot located directly on Praia Dasmacas.
Praia das Azenhas do Mar
44 km from Lisbon’s center you’ll find Praia das Azenhas do Mar.
This beach is only thirty meters wide and so small that it practically disappears at high tide.
However, the view of white houses stacked on the cliffs above the sea has made it a mandatory destination for visitors to the Sintra region.
Despite its small size, it is supervised by lifeguards during the bathing season. These are located on the jetty between the terrace of a famous fish restaurant (open all year) and a tide-fed sea pool (free access).
Depending on the sea, you’ll see how the waves will smash against the sea pool. Then it’s too dangerous to go into the sea itself, because of the strong currents. But it’s still worth visiting Praia das Azenhas do Mar, because of the whole atmosphere. Sometimes they also have some open-air parties with a DJ.
In the village there are examples of “true Portuguese” houses, some of which were designed by the most renowned architects of the mid-20th century, who mixed modernist features with aesthetic elements of the traditional houses of the different regions of Portugal (such as the brick panels on the facades).
Praia do Magoito
45-60 minutes by car ride from Lisbon’s center – North/West of Lisbon
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach experience, head to Praia do Magoito, near the village of the same name. This peaceful beach is surrounded by cliffs and trees, providing a quiet setting for a day by the sea. The beach is also a great spot for birdwatching, with many rare species of birds making their home in the surrounding forests.
The Sintra-Cascais Natural Park is a great place to go for a hike or a bike ride, and offers long views over the surrounding countryside. And of course, the Atlantic Ocean provides endless opportunities for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
Just a short drive from Lisbon, the beach is easily accessible by car or public transportation. This means that even if you’re staying in the city, you can easily make the trip out to the beach for a day of fun in the sun.
Despite its popularity, Praia do Magoito manages to maintain a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The beach is large and open, so even on busy days you can find a quiet spot to relax and soak up the sunshine. And with its beautiful natural surroundings and convenient location, Praia do Magoito is the perfect destination for a day trip from Lisbon.
Its golden sand and clear water make it worth the drive, for water sports or a quiet day on the sand.
Great beaches South of Lisbon – Best reached by car
Now we take a look at the beaches a bit further away and South of Lisbon. The landscape is very different to the rest, so that it’s worth exploring this region as well.
Praia do Creiro
55 minutes – 1 h 20 min by car from Lisbon’s center – South of Lisbon
Praia do Creiro is a lovely sandy beach, South of Lisbon and on the west coast of Portugal, located in the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park. The area is well-known for its crystal clear waters and small island called “White Mountain”.
The beach is perfect for families or couples looking for a calm and relaxing atmosphere. There are also lifeguards on duty during bathing season for added safety.
Praia do Creiro is also only a 15-minute walk from Praia dos Coelhos, Praia dos Galapinhos and Praia dos Galapos. Plus, from the parking lot you have a direct view of an archaeological site of Roman ruins, discovered in 1987, called Estação Arqueológica do Creiro.
See also: The Best Viewpoints in Lisbon
Praia do Ouro
45 – 60 minutes by car from Lisbon’s center – South of Lisbon
Finally, no trip to the beaches near Lisbon would be complete without a visit to Praia do Ouro, located in the town of Sesimbra. This beach is known for its lively atmosphere and lively beach bars, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The beach is also a great spot for water sports, with opportunities for surfing, paddle boarding, and more.
Praia do Pego
1 h 25 minutes – 2 hours by car from Lisbon’s center – South of Lisbon
A serene Alentejo oasis by an expansive sandy beach, with a dune system of great scenic and environmental value. It has quality restaurants that serve traditional Alentejo cuisine.
Praia do Pego is a great kite spot located near Torroal. The spot usually has choppy water to small waves, making it perfect for intermediates, advanced and experts alike.
Use the train for the Cascais line beaches, and keep a car for Guincho, the Sintra coast and Arrábida.
